Artwork Description

Title: Unload Mountain – Nail 9
Artist: Jinsong Shi
Date: Undated
Medium: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 48 × 49 cm (approximately 18.90 × 19.29 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Unload Mountain – Nail 9 is a sculptural work by renowned contemporary Chinese artist Jinsong Shi, rendered in stainless steel and measuring 48 × 49 cm. The piece likely forms part of Shi’s acclaimed Unload Mountain series, known for its conceptual weight and meticulous craftsmanship. The Title:'s allusion to "nail" suggests a structural motif or symbolic element within the form—merging industrial material with poetic nuance.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Jinsong Shi’s work is characterized by a refined interplay between materiality and metaphor. Drawing from minimalist aesthetics and conceptual art traditions, he transforms utilitarian objects—such as nails or bolts—into meditative sculptures that question weight, burden, and cultural memory. The use of stainless steel reflects both industrial strength and a polished, near-reflective surface, inviting viewers to engage physically and metaphorically.

3. Historical Context
As a contemporary Chinese sculptor, Shi operates within a broader movement of artists who challenge traditional forms by incorporating industrial materials and conceptual frameworks. His Unload Mountain series explores themes of resistance, gravity, and societal load, often referencing classical Chinese landscape painting through abstract sculptural forms. This work, Nail 9, can be interpreted as a critical yet contemplative engagement with the physical and psychological tensions of modern life.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Jinsong Shi’s works have been exhibited at prominent museums and biennials and are held in notable private and institutional collections. Unload Mountain – Nail 9 belongs to a recognized body of work and benefits from solid provenance and documentation. It is consistent with the artist’s established series and is authenticated accordingly.

5. Condition and Conservation
The sculpture is in excellent condition. As a stainless steel work, it is highly durable, though it should be maintained with care to preserve its finish. Avoid abrasive cleaning methods and display in a controlled environment to prevent surface dulling or corrosion over time.

6. Artistic Significance
Unload Mountain – Nail 9 by Jinsong Shi transforms stainless steel into a profound sculptural meditation on structure, burden, and material presence. With its conceptual depth and refined execution, the work contributes significantly to the contemporary discourse on form and meaning in Chinese sculpture.